John Prescott, a prominent figure in the Labour Party and former Deputy Prime Minister, has passed away. He was known for his work on the Kyoto Protocol and his unwavering commitment to climate action. His legacy is one of public service and dedication to improving the lives of others.
John Prescott: A Life of Public Service
Born in Wales, John Prescott began his career as a ship’s steward and later became involved in trade union activism. This experience led him to enter politics, where he would go on to become a prominent figure in the Labour Party.
Prescott served as Deputy Prime Minister under Tony Blair from 1997 to 2007. During this time, he played a crucial role in helping Blair move the Labour Party towards the political center. Prescott’s working-class background made him an unusual figure in British politics, and his credentials were used to appease members of the party further to the left.
One of Prescott’s most notable achievements was his work on the 1997 international Kyoto Protocol on climate change. He worked closely with Al Gore, the former US vice president and a leading environmentalist, to negotiate this landmark agreement. Prescott’s commitment to solving the climate crisis was unwavering, and he continued to be an advocate for climate action throughout his life.
Prescott is survived by his wife, Pauline, and sons, Johnathan and David. He will also be remembered for his colorful personality and his pugnacious character, which earned him the nickname “Two Jags” – a reference to owning two luxury Jaguar cars.
Tributes
Tony Blair, who served alongside Prescott as Prime Minister, delivered an emotional tribute to his former deputy. Blair described Prescott as one of the most talented people he had ever encountered in politics, and praised his commitment and loyalty. Al Gore also paid tribute to Prescott, saying that he would be “forever grateful” for his commitment to solving the climate crisis.
Legacy
John Prescott’s legacy is one of public service and dedication to improving the lives of others. His work on climate change negotiations and his commitment to social justice will be remembered as a testament to his character and values.
Quotes from Colleagues
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Tony Blair: “He was one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics, one of the most committed and loyal, and definitely the most unusual.”
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Gordon Brown: “John Prescott was probably the first government minister to see the importance of the environment. He fought like hell to negotiate the Kyoto Protocol and was an unwavering champion of climate action for decades to come.”
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Al Gore: “I will be forever grateful for his commitment to solving the climate crisis.”
